Ten chambers to participate May 1 in area's largest business networking event

A business networking event billed as the area's largest, is planned for May 1 in Fairfield, organizers announced. The event will include music, food, wine, beer, refreshments and a raffle for an iPad.

The Solano Community College Educational Foundation, in association with First Northern Bank hosts Solano Business Connections, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. that day at Solano Community College's Fairfield campus, 4000 Suisun Valley Road.

Chambers of commerce from Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield-Suisun, Rio Vista, Vacaville, Vallejo and Winters, along with the area's Black, Filipino-American and Hispanic chambers and the Solano Economic Development Corporation will participate, organizers said. More than 300 are expected at this second annual event.

Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will fund "Chamber of Commerce Scholarships" for SCC students in the Puente program, and the Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program. Last year, funds were raised for three $500 scholarships, organizers said.

More business-to-business activity will help strengthen the economy, Solano Community College Education Foundation Executive director Curt Johnston said.

"This event provides local businesses an opportunity to connect with potential customers from throughout Solano County and Winters. The college is proud to be a partner by college to tour the campus and see where their workforce is educated and trained."